Truely a Masterpiece among music in General.
G. Crowley | USA | 07/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What words can be used to express my feelings about Rachid Taha's "Made in Medina" ? Inovative, Brilliant, Genius, Amazing, Out of this world, Perceptive, a Production Masterpiece, a Masterpiece in general. Listening to 'Made in Medina' is like having a sonic orgasm; his voice screams passion and his music refuses to be denied.
Many consiter him just another RAI artist, but I dont think it is fair to just lable him as such. This CD hits levels of orginality that hasnt been seen since albums by artists such as Kate Bush, Dead Can Dance, or Ekova. Sure, the Genres are different, but the inovative touch isn't. Good music is good music.
Yes, the music is definately Middle Eastern, but it fuses a touches of Rock, Electronics, Pop; a natural power driven collection of songs.
I think one of the key assets to his songs that just make it what they are is the raw nature of his voice in General. There is something in his voice that distinguishes him from the rest of the RAI singers. Sure you might confuse one Middle Eastern singer with another as they all have that same tone and sound to their voice, but when you hear Rachid, there is no doubt about who he is. Truely, an orgional.
Though every song is amazing in their own right, my personal favourites are the tribal driven "Gareb", the rocked out north african "Barra Barra" (Some might know it from Black Hawk Down), and the passionate "Ala Jalkoum".
"En Retard", "Aie Aie Aie" and "Medina" are some other songs I really like as follows.
In conclusion, this collection that is "Made in Medina" will delight and regain your faith that music still, and can be original and not everything has been done yet.
"
Really amazing
Lillith | New York, NY | 01/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I, like many others, bought this cd after hearing Barra Barra on Blackhawn Down. I was pleasingly surprised to find that the rest of the cd is nearly as engaging. Garab is similar, with rhythmic lyrics and rock beats, and ala jalkoum is a ballad equally as entertaining. For people who like world music, particularly world flavour blended with western rhythmic beats and an edgy essence, this is a cd to add to their collection. Best songs: Barra Barra, Ala Jalkoum, En Retard, Garab."